The personalization challenge: context metadata for mobile learning

Mobile solutions gain more and more importance in the field of Technology-Enhanced Learning. However, research and practice has focused on adapting learning materials to devices and technologies. The keynote focuses on the question which factors are important when personalizing mobile learning scenarios. How can the context of actual usage be captured and utilized to create better personalized learning experiences. After describing the categories and attributes of the context metadata specification, it is shown how this specification influences and design and usage processes for mobile learning. Mobile and ambient applications for learning, education and training have gained increased attention in the past years [NLVS05; SBSAL05, Wa04; PLSL11]. One key aspect is cross-media publishing in this field: How to adapt existing learning environments to mobile devices [LH05]. Further efforts have taken place how to provide applications on different devices and operating systems (such as Android, Symbian, iOS, etc.). From a didactical perspective, many researchers have focused on analyzing which scenarios are promising for mobile devices [La07] and how an embedded process can be organized using traditional, computer-based as well as mobile scenarios using advanced technologies [KK05]. However, the adaptation to certain devices might be technically challenging but it does not improve the results in terms of learning. The key challenge for mobile learning and collaboration is that added values are provided. This ranges from new didactical settings (e.g. learning in authentic environments in museums or nature [CKS03]) to new communication experiences (e.g. mixed reality [KK05]). The key to success is the aspect of personalization. How can mobile learning and collaboration scenarios be adapted to the situation of individuals so that their preferences, interests and requirements are met?